A split sampler

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of separate sampler, including sampling cylinder, handle and lock catch mechanism, sampling cylinder upper end is equipped with one-way drain valve;Sampling cylinder upper end is detachably connected with handle by lock catch mechanism;When lock catch mechanism locks, sampling cylinder and handle cannot be separated;When lock catch mechanism is unlocked, sampling cylinder can be separated with handle.Lock catch mechanism includes lock tongue and first spring, the lock tongue has at least two;One end of the lock tongue is installed in the guide hole of handle mounting head, and the other end of the lock tongue is free end;Lock tongue has first hook portion, and sampling cylinder mounting head has second hook portion compatible with first hook portion;First hook portion can hook second hook portion under the action of first spring, realize locking;Drive lock tongue to move inward can make first hook portion and second hook portion disengage, realize unlocking.The separate sampler of the application is convenient for submersible manipulator operation, and can cooperate with heat preservation and pressure storage cabin, and can provide equipment support for marine natural gas hydrate exploration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of deep coring technology, and in particular to a split-type sampler. Background Technology

[0002] Marine natural gas hydrate reservoirs possess unique formation mechanisms and geological backgrounds. Core samples obtained from these reservoirs are highly susceptible to phase transformation when deprived of in-situ temperature and pressure conditions (generally less than 10℃ and greater than 10MPa), leading to the loss of core specimen occurrence, in-situ information, and quality. Therefore, in-situ temperature and pressure-controlled sampling techniques for marine natural gas hydrates are a necessary prerequisite for obtaining marine hydrate samples that retain their in-situ occurrence information, and are of great significance for marine resource exploration and development.

[0003] Chinese scholars have conducted extensive research on the global challenge of core sampling for deep-sea natural gas hydrates. Manned submersibles, as cutting-edge scientific equipment for exploring the mysteries of the deep sea, are used not only for underwater investigation, seabed exploration, salvage, and rescue missions, but their flexibility and visibility also provide new avenues for obtaining in-situ marine natural gas hydrate samples. However, existing manned submersibles typically use PUSHCORE-type samplers, which generally lack thermal and pressure-maintaining capabilities, leading to significant or even complete decomposition of hydrate samples during retrieval. Therefore, they are mostly used for sediment sampling. To address this, our team has developed a thermal and pressure-maintaining storage chamber that can be mounted on a manned submersible, enabling temperature and pressure-maintaining sample storage. However, a sampler that can be operated by a manned submersible and simultaneously work in conjunction with the thermal and pressure-maintaining storage chamber is still lacking. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a detachable sampler that is convenient for operation by the deep-sea submersible's robotic arm and can be used in conjunction with a thermally insulated and pressurized storage chamber.

[0005] This utility model is specifically achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] This application provides a detachable sampler, including a sampling cylinder assembly. The sampling cylinder assembly includes a sampling cylinder, a handle, and a locking mechanism. A one-way drain valve is installed at the upper end of the sampling cylinder. The upper end of the sampling cylinder is detachably connected to the handle through the locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is locked, the sampling cylinder and the handle cannot be separated. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the sampling cylinder can be separated from the handle.

[0007] Optionally, the sampling cylinder includes a sampling cylinder body and a sampling cylinder mounting head connected to the upper end of the sampling cylinder body. The sampling cylinder body has a through hole in the center that communicates with the interior of the sampling cylinder body. A one-way drain valve is installed in the through hole of the sampling cylinder mounting head. The other end of the sampling cylinder mounting head relative to the sampling cylinder body is detachably connected to the handle mounting head through the locking mechanism. The handle is installed on the handle mounting head.

[0008] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a latch and a first spring that matches the latch, and there are at least two latches; one end of the latch is installed in the guide hole of the handle mounting head, and the other end of the latch is a free end; the latch has a first hook, and the sampling cylinder mounting head has a second hook that matches the first hook; the first hook can hook the second hook under the action of the first spring, thereby locking the locking mechanism; driving the latch to move inward can disengage the first hook from the second hook, thereby unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0009] Optionally, the free end of the locking tongue has a first bevel.

[0010] Optionally, the side of the sampling tube mounting head has a first serrated contact surface.

[0011] Optional, the handle is T-shaped.

[0012] Optionally, four guide holes are evenly distributed on the side of the handle mounting head, and a locking tongue and a first spring are respectively installed in the four guide holes.

[0013] Optionally, the maximum outer diameter of the sampling tube mounting head is greater than the outer diameter of the sampling tube body.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The detachable sampler of this application is not only convenient for operation by the deep-sea submersible's robotic arm, but can also be used in conjunction with a thermally insulated and pressurized storage tank, providing equipment support for the exploration and development of marine natural gas hydrates. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the split sampler in the embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage compartment in the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the sampling cylinder retaining ring gripping the sampling cylinder mounting head in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sampling cylinder after it enters the heat-insulating and pressure-maintaining storage chamber in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0025] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this utility model can be combined with each other. It should also be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments; similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, this embodiment discloses a split sampler, including a sampling cylinder assembly 1. The sampling cylinder assembly 1 includes a sampling cylinder, a handle 12 and a locking mechanism. The upper end of the sampling cylinder is detachably connected to the handle 12 through the locking mechanism. A one-way drain valve 13 is installed in the opening at the upper end of the sampling cylinder.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sampling cylinder includes a sampling cylinder body 11 and a sampling cylinder mounting head 14. The upper end of the sampling cylinder body 11 is connected to the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 by screws. The sampling cylinder body 11 has a through hole in the center communicating with the interior of the sampling cylinder body 11. A one-way drain valve 13 is installed in the through hole of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14. The other end of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 relative to the sampling cylinder body 11 is detachably connected to a handle mounting head 15 by a locking mechanism. A handle 12 is installed on the handle mounting head 15.

[0030] The locking mechanism includes a latch 16 and a first spring 17. There are at least two latches 16, and the handle mounting head 15 has guide holes adapted to the latches 16. One end of the latch 16 is installed in the guide hole of the handle mounting head 15, and the other end of the latch 16 is a free end with a first inclined surface 162. The latch 16 can move horizontally along the guide hole and can switch between a first position and a second position. The first spring 17 acts on the latch 16 and the handle mounting head 15. Under the action of the first spring 17, the latch 16 tends to move towards the first position; under the action of an external force, the latch 16 can overcome the elastic force of the first spring 17 and move to the second position.

[0031] The locking tongue 16 has a first hook 151, and the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 has a second hook 161 that matches the first hook 151. When the locking tongue 16 is in the first position, the first hook 151 can hook the second hook 161. At this time, the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 and the handle mounting head 15 are locked together, and the sampling cylinder body 11 and the handle 12 cannot be separated. When the locking tongue 16 is in the second position, the first hook 151 releases the second hook 161. At this time, the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 and the handle mounting head 15 are unlocked, and the sampling cylinder body 11 and the handle 12 can be separated.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 has a first serrated contact surface 142 on its side. The maximum outer diameter of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 is greater than the diameter of the sampling cylinder body 11.

[0033] In some embodiments, the handle 12 is T-shaped for ease of operation.

[0034] It is worth noting that the number of latches 16 can be set reasonably as needed. In the exemplary embodiment, four square guide holes are evenly distributed on the side of the handle mounting head 15, and a latch 16 and a first spring 17 are respectively installed in the four guide holes.

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the working principle and usage of the separate sampler in this application, the structure of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber is also described below.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2 includes an outer cylinder 21, a pressure controller, an upper end cover 25, and a lower end cover 26. The outer cylinder 21 has a water bath insulation interlayer 23 inside its wall. The water bath insulation interlayer 23 is connected to a lower water bath insulation connector and a higher water bath insulation connector. The lower end cover 26 is threaded to the lower end of the outer cylinder 21. The pressure controller is installed inside the outer cylinder 21, and a ball valve 6 is installed in the opening of the lower end cover 26. The ball valve 6 is used to dock with a sample transfer device. During use, the sample transfer device is pre-charged with the same pressure as the sampler. After docking, the ball valve is opened to transfer the sample from the sampler to the transfer device for subsequent analysis and testing.

[0037] A sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 is installed at the upper end of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2, and a tension spring structure 5 is installed inside the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2. The sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 is used to grip the sampling cylinder body 11. Figure 4 As shown, the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 includes a first cylinder 31, a second cylinder 32, a third cylinder 33, a second spring 34, and a steel ball 35.

[0038] The first cylinder 31 is connected to the third cylinder 33. The second cylinder 32 can move axially within the space formed by the first cylinder 31 and the third cylinder 33. The second spring 34 acts on the second cylinder 32 and the third cylinder 33 to provide the second cylinder 32 with an initial axial thrust.

[0039] The cylinder wall of the first cylinder 31 is evenly distributed with steel ball holes that are compatible with steel balls 35. The steel balls 35 are installed one by one in the steel ball holes of the first cylinder 31. The steel balls 35 can extend a part outside the steel ball hole, but will not fall off.

[0040] The upper end cap 25 is threaded to the upper end of the outer cylinder 21. The upper end cap 25 has a central through hole for the sampling cylinder body 11 to be inserted, and the upper end of the central through hole has a conical surface 251 that matches the first inclined surface 162 of the locking tongue 16. The inner wall of the upper end cap 25 has an annular groove 252 for locking the locking tongue 16. The inner wall of the upper end cap 25 has an arc-shaped inner groove that matches the steel ball 35, and the outer wall of the second cylinder 32 has an arc-shaped outer groove 321 that matches the steel ball 35.

[0041] A sampling tube retainer 36 is installed on the first tube 31. The inner surface of the sampling tube retainer 36 has a second serrated contact surface that matches the first serrated contact surface 142 of the outer wall of the sampling tube mounting head 14.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36 is an open ring structure, and the inner wall of the first cylinder 31 has a conical section, within which the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36 can move. The sampling cylinder retaining ring 36 is installed in the first cylinder 31 with their inclined surfaces engaged. Because the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36 is disengaged, it can move within the conical surface of the first cylinder 31, and its diameter can also change. Since the diameter of the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36 can change, the second serrated contact surface of the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36 can also open and close to a certain extent. Therefore, when the first serrated contact surface 142 of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 enters the second serrated contact surface of the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36, the second serrated contact surface can be slightly open. After the first serrated contact surface 142 enters the sampling cylinder retaining ring 36, the two serrated contact surfaces engage and cannot be withdrawn.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, in the initial state, the steel ball 35 protrudes from the outer surface of the first cylinder 31. The protruding part of the steel ball 35 fits into the arc-shaped inner groove of the inner wall of the upper end cover 25. Therefore, the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 is installed and fixed on the upper end cover 25.

[0044] The tension spring structure 5 includes a tension spring 51. The upper end of the tension spring 51 is connected to the third cylinder 33 of the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 via a first tension spring connector 52. Under the action of the tension spring 51, the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 has a downward prestress. The lower end of the tension spring 51 is connected to the lower end cover 26 via a second tension spring connector 53. Initially, the tension spring 51 is in a stretched state.

[0045] The pressure holding controller includes a valve seat 221 and a valve cover 222. One side of the valve cover 222 is movably connected to the valve seat 221. A valve cover permanent magnet 223 is provided on the valve cover 222. A valve seat permanent magnet 224 for attracting the valve cover permanent magnet 223 is provided on the valve seat 221. A trigger permanent magnet 24 is installed on the outer cylinder 21. When the valve cover 222 is opened, the trigger permanent magnet 24 is directly opposite the valve cover permanent magnet 223. The trigger permanent magnet 24 is used to apply magnetic force to the valve cover permanent magnet 223 to trigger the valve cover 222 and the valve seat 221 to close.

[0046] The valve seat 221 is axially fixed inside the outer cylinder 21 by the upper end cover 25. In the initial state, the valve cover 222 is open and is limited to the open position by the valve cover initial limiting mechanism 4. Figure 5 As shown, the valve cover initial limiting mechanism 4 includes a limiting cylinder 41, a third spring 42, a guide cylinder 43, and a limiting ring 44. The limiting ring 44 is located at one end of the guide cylinder 43. The limiting cylinder 41 can move axially within the space formed by the guide cylinder 43 and the limiting ring 44 and can move between the third position and the fourth position. When the limiting cylinder 41 is in the third position, one end of the limiting cylinder 41 extends to the valve cover 222 to prevent the valve cover 222 from closing. When the limiting cylinder 41 is in the fourth position, one end of the limiting cylinder 41 leaves the valve cover 222, thus removing the obstruction to the valve cover 222.

[0047] There are at least two third springs 42. The third springs 42 act on the limiting cylinder 41 and the limiting ring 44. The third springs 42 are used to provide an initial extension force to the limiting cylinder 41 so that it is held in the third position.

[0048] In some embodiments, three third springs 42 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and the limiting cylinder 41 and the limiting ring 44 each have three spring holes. The two ends of the third springs 42 are respectively installed in the spring holes of the limiting cylinder 41 and the limiting ring 44.

[0049] The inner wall of the limiting cylinder 41 has a first inner step 45 for abutting against the third cylinder 33. Preferably, the first inner step 45 is an inner conical surface; the lower end of the third cylinder 33 has a matching outer conical surface.

[0050] In some embodiments, an accumulator 8 is installed on the outside of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2. The accumulator 8 is connected to the inside of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2 through a pipe, and the pipe is connected to a safety valve and a pressure gauge 83.

[0051] In some embodiments, the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2 is connected to a temperature and pressure monitoring and control unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature and pressure monitoring and control unit includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a chip, a battery, a package housing 91, and a watertight connector 92. The pressure sensor and temperature sensor are connected to the chip, and the battery powers the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, chip, and battery. The pressure sensor, temperature sensor, chip, and battery are packaged in the package housing 91, which is located outside the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2 and threadedly connected to the connection hole of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2. Naturally, the probes of the pressure sensor and temperature sensor communicate with the internal space of the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2 to record temperature and pressure data.

[0052] The working principle of the separate marine hydrate in-situ pressure-maintaining and heat-insulating sampler in this embodiment is as follows:

[0053] After the manned submersible is equipped with a separate marine hydrate in-situ pressure-maintaining and heat-insulating sampler, it descends to the seabed. The manned submersible's robotic arm grips the handle 12 and inserts the sampling tube body 11 into the target hydrate or sediment. During the process of the sample entering the sampling tube body 11, the one-way drainage valve 13 drains water and creates negative pressure to prevent the sample from falling.

[0054] After sampling, the robotic arm grips the detachable sampling cylinder assembly 1 and aligns it for insertion into the insulated and pressure-maintaining storage chamber 2. When the first inclined surface 162 of the locking tongue 16 contacts the conical surface 251 of the upper cover 25, the locking tongue 16 is forced to move inward until the first hook portion 151 of the locking tongue 16 disengages from the second hook portion 161 of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14. At this point, the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 separates. The first inclined surface 162 of the locking tongue 16 completely passes over the inclined surface 251 of the conical surface 251 of the upper cover 25, and the locking tongue 16 enters the annular groove 252 of the upper cover 25. Under the action of the first spring 17, the locking tongue 16 pops out and locks in the annular groove 252. At this time, the handle 12, the handle mounting head 15, and the locking tongue 16 remain in the upper cover 25.

[0055] After separating from the locking tongue 16, the sampling tube mounting head 14, during its downward insertion, gradually engages with the second serrated contact surface 142 of the sampling tube retaining ring 36 via its first serrated contact surface. Consequently, the sampling tube mounting head 14 and the sampling tube body 11 are gripped by the sampling tube gripping mechanism 3. Figure 6 As shown. During the downward insertion of the sampling cylinder, the maximum outer diameter of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14 is greater than the minimum inner diameter of the second cylinder 32. Therefore, only the sampling cylinder body 11 can pass through the second cylinder 32 of the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3. However, during the downward insertion of the sampling cylinder mounting head 14, its lower inclined surface contacts the upper inclined surface of the second cylinder 32. The downward pressure causes the second cylinder 32 to move downward and compress the second spring 34. When the second cylinder 32 moves to the point where its arc-shaped outer groove 321 aligns with the steel ball 35, the steel ball 35 falls into the arc-shaped outer groove 321 of the second cylinder 32, and the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 separates from the upper end cover 25.

[0056] After the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3 separates from the upper cover 25, under the tension of the tension spring structure 5, the sampling cylinder gripping mechanism 3, the sampling cylinder mounting head 14, the sampling cylinder body 11, and the sample inside the sampling cylinder body 11 continue to move downward. When the lower end of the third cylinder 33 contacts the first inner step 45 of the limiting cylinder 41, under the tension of the tension spring structure 5, the limiting cylinder 41 moves downward until it no longer restricts the flipping and closing of the valve cover 222. After the tension spring 51 of the tension spring structure 5 returns to its natural state, the pressure holding controller closes, achieving upper end sealing and completing the pressure holding action to achieve pressure holding. Figure 7 As shown, the circulating insulation fluid circulates in the water bath insulation interlayer 23 through the lower and upper water bath insulation joints, achieving active insulation of the sample.

[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A split sampler, characterized in that, The sample tube assembly (1) includes a sample tube, a handle (12) and a locking mechanism. A one-way drain valve (13) is installed in the upper end of the sample tube. The upper end of the sampling tube is detachably connected to the handle (12) via a locking mechanism; when the locking mechanism is locked, the sampling tube and the handle (12) cannot be separated; when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the sampling tube can be separated from the handle (12).

2. The split sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling tube includes a sampling tube body (11) and a sampling tube mounting head (14) connected to the upper end of the sampling tube body (11). The sampling tube body (11) has a through hole in the center that connects to the inside of the sampling tube body (11). A one-way drain valve (13) is installed in the through hole of the sampling tube mounting head (14). The other end of the sampling tube mounting head (14) relative to the sampling tube body (11) is detachably connected to the handle mounting head (15) through the locking mechanism. The handle (12) is installed on the handle mounting head (15).

3. A split sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a latch (16) and a first spring (17) that matches the latch (16), and there are at least two latches (16); One end of the latch (16) is installed in the guide hole of the handle mounting head (15), and the other end of the latch (16) is a free end; the latch (16) has a first hook (151), and the sampling tube mounting head (14) has a second hook (161) that is adapted to the first hook (151). The first hook (151) can hook the second hook (161) under the action of the first spring (17) to lock the locking mechanism; driving the locking tongue (16) to move inward can disengage the first hook (151) from the second hook (161) to unlock the locking mechanism.

4. A split sampler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The free end of the latch (16) has a first inclined surface (162).

5. A split sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sampling tube mounting head (14) has a first serrated contact surface (142) on its side.

6. A split sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle (12) is T-shaped.

7. A split sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The handle mounting head (15) has four guide holes evenly distributed on its side, and a locking tongue (16) and a first spring (17) are installed in the four guide holes respectively.

8. A split sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter of the sampling tube mounting head (14) is greater than the outer diameter of the sampling tube body (11).

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